LOGIN138~Dylan’s POVHe looked up at me with a triumphant grin, then turned the dress over in his hands, inspecting it like a tiny stylist at work. “I want her to feel happy, Mr Dylan! Mommy says gifts are about making people feel good, so I want to make her really happy!”I nodded, impressed with the thoughtfulness and maturity he showed in such a small frame. “You’re right. Gifts are for making people feel special. And you’ve chosen wisely, Jaden. Juliet is lucky to have a boyfriend who cares this much.”He smiled, a shy, glowing smile, almost proud to hear my approval. “Thanks, sir. You’re the best too. You’re helping me.”I laughed softly, feeling a warmth in my chest. “It’s nothing, really. I just want to see you both happy. And once we get this dress made, she’ll have something only she can wear. Special and unique, just like her.”Jaden hugged the dress to his chest, his small arms barely able to wrap around it. “I can’t wait to give it to her!” he exclaimed, bouncing lightly in ex
~Dylan’s POVI took his hand again and led him through the showroom doors into a smaller space designed for the kids’ collection. The racks were lower, the colors brighter, reds, blues, yellows, patterns with little cars, stars, and animals. Tiny jackets hung next to soft pants, little shoes lined the shelves, and miniature accessories completed the displays.He ran his fingers over a small blue blazer, then a tiny pair of trousers. “Mommy bought me nice clothes,” he said with pride. “But… These are cooler! Can I… try them one day?”I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “Absolutely. You’ll have a chance to pick your favorites. We even have shirts that match some of Mommy’s designs.”He bounced excitedly, spinning around to take in the room. “Mr Dylan, this is amazing! I can… I can pick what I like?”“You sure can,” I said, crouching down to his level again. “And you can help me pick things too. You can tell me which colors you like, which patterns you think are fun. You’
136~Dylan’s POVI stepped out of the office, my hands rubbing the bridge of my nose for a brief moment. I had wanted to see Jaden, to greet the little guy, but Velma’s words had lingered in my ears like a dull echo: “Do not relate with Mr. Dylan.” I could still hear the firmness in her voice, the subtle edge of worry.I pushed the feeling aside. Jaden deserved a small treat. Something to lift his spirits. With that thought, I walked down the quiet streets to a nearby bakery. I picked out a small assortment of pastries, colorful and child-friendly: mini eclairs, fruit tarts with glistening berries, cream puffs that looked like little clouds. I imagined Jaden’s small hands reaching out for them, his face lighting up, and it made me smile despite the tension gnawing at the edges of my mind.Back at the studio, I quietly pushed the door open. I had half expected Velma to come running at me, yelling, perhaps waving her hands, ready to scold me for intruding. But there was no yelling. No s
135~Velma’s POV“You know,” he said quietly, his tone soft but with a subtle edge, “those words…they hurt.”I shrugged, glancing back at him over my shoulder, letting the faintest smirk brush my lips. “I have a lot to do,” I said simply. “I need to get into the studio and focus.”He nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on me a second longer than necessary. “Alright,” he murmured. His hands fell to his sides, his posture shifting into that calm, contained stance he always assumed.I waved at him briefly, giving a small cautionary glance over my shoulder. “Jaden, remember,” I said softly, crouching down to his level. “That man is Mr. Dylan, he is the one I told you not to relate with, okay?”Jaden furrowed his small brow, tilting his head. “Is he a bad guy?” he asked, his voice innocent but edged with curiosity.I nodded lightly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “Yes, sweetie. Just be careful, okay? And behave while I work.”He nodded solemnly, though I could see the faint spa
~Velma’s POV“You won’t be going to school today, little man,” I said softly, brushing his hair back. “Mommy needs to keep an eye on you and make sure you’re okay.”His small face brightened slightly. “So… I can go with you to work?” he asked, curiosity and excitement battling his discomfort.I nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. “Yes, but only for a little while. We have work to do, and Mommy needs to finish her drawings.”Jaden’s eyes lit up, and he shifted closer, seemingly forgetting his fever for a moment. “I want to see where Mommy works!”I smiled softly at his enthusiasm, but a pang of worry ran through me. My mind immediately flicked to Dylan. He would be at work, and I could not risk him seeing Jaden. The thought tightened something in my chest. I needed to focus, and needed to finish my drawings. But for now… my priority was my little boy.I moved to the kitchen and began preparing a simple breakfast, careful to keep it light since both of us were a little off
133~Velma’s POVJaden blinked up at me, sniffing and nodding faintly. Theron gave him an encouraging smile, and even Juliet’s small hands reached out, touching my arm for reassurance.Marianne returned and crouched down beside Jaden, gently unwrapping a small bandage. “Let’s clean it up first,” she said softly. The smell of antiseptic filled the air as she carefully dabbed at the tiny cut. Jaden flinched once, then relaxed as the sting faded. I held his other hand tightly, whispering, “See? All better soon.”“It’s… not too bad, right?” he asked in a small, uncertain voice.“No, little man,” I said, brushing his hair back from his forehead. “It’s just a little scratch. You’re going to be running around again in no time.”Marianne finished dressing the wound, gently placing a tiny bandage over it. “All done,” she said softly. “You were very brave.”Jaden’s small face lit up with a shy grin, and Juliet pressed her cheek against mine, her eyes still a little watery. I kissed the top of h
55~Velma’s POVWe stepped outside, and the night breeze was soft. The lights of the restaurant reflected on the car windows, and I could hear the city around us, not loud, but alive. Theron opened the door, and I helped him settle Jaden in the back seat. I removed Jaden’s shoes so he could be comf
51~Velma’s POVI took a deep breath and let my grandfather see me again, not as the little girl he knew, but as someone who had walked through fire and come out alive.“Grandpa,” I said softly, “Theron… he invested in me when no one else would. The art galleries… they were scared of signing someon
52~Velma’s POVI took a deep breath and continued, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup as I tried to gather my thoughts. “Grandpa, after the wedding… Theron and I went on our honeymoon. I was heavily pregnant by then, and honestly, I thought it would be too much to travel or even enjoy mys
53~Velma’s POVI nodded, still holding my grandfather’s hand, feeling the warmth and strength in it. I hadn’t even realized I’d been crying while telling him everything; my heart had carried so many memories that the tears just slipped out without asking. Grandpa noticed and handed me a tissue wit







